[nickcarraway]

I read a long time ago, that smokers cost healthcare less, because they die sooner. Anyone know about that?

[pierrem15]

Well, retirement plans generally save: you pay in for 40 years and don't live to collect.

Healthcare would depend on how much and what kind of treatment one receives.

There's also he fact that about 25% of people are basically immune to lung cancer risks because they have a gene that shuts off lung cell mutations.

[Mr Ramsbotham]

I read a long time ago, that smokers cost healthcare less, because they die sooner. Anyone know about that?

My father died of Salem at the age of 75. It's unbelievable how much his last five years of ill health cost someone.

[Secret Agent Man]

Not sure. If they get cancer, I would say those savings are negated because then they have lots of cancer trratment bills and larger end of life costs.

[KarlInOhio]

A local talk show host read a study that said without smoking, Social Security and Medicare would go broke. Why? SS is pretty clear with people living a few extra years on average. Medicare was surprising. Essentially, everyone dies (I know, big surprise) and when you die it is generally medically expensive whether lung cancer at 65 from smoking or heart disease/dementia/other cancer at 85. Those dying early of lung cancer save that 20 years of general treatment. The final disease fight has a similar cost.

So smoke up and gobble down the donuts. You country is counting on you dying before 70.

[Does so]

I recall the Czech Republic found smoking reduced national healthcare costs...